Gear help: headset microphones

Subject: Gear help: headset microphones
From: GUEST,Texas Guest
Date: 04 Nov 06 - 08:43 PM

I'm sure I can get an opinion or two out of this hardy group. Here's the deal: I would like to start using a head-set mic on stage to help support a little growth in my guitar playing (attempting to use the whole neck without a capo).

Primarily a singer who plays guitar, I've used Shure SM58's forever and am very happy with them singing at pubs, festivals and coffeehouses; however, my problem is that there seems to be at least twenty or thirty mics out there ranging in price from $80 - $1200 and little information about how they compare to, well - SM 58's - in my case.

I would really be interested in hearing from sound techs who've had to work with headset mics, and/or musicians who have used them - for good or bad. Sure, I'll spend the money if I have to but if the $130 mic works just as well as the $500 one, well, that's a no-brainer. Thanks for your input, folks.

Subject: RE: Gear help: headset microphones
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 05 Nov 06 - 12:10 AM

AS a matter of interest, I've notice that there seem to be two lines of thought - one type has a huge foam 'sock', and the other type has a tiny almost invisible 'spike' type mic.

Subject: RE: Gear help: headset microphones
From: GUEST,DonMeixner
Date: 05 Nov 06 - 12:46 AM

My experience is this. You can't get away from them. That mic is 11/2" away from your face. You can't say things under your breath or mutter obscenities.

Don

Subject: RE: Gear help: headset microphones
From: treewind
Date: 05 Nov 06 - 12:54 PM

You can switch the transmitter off or mute it quite easily though.

Cheap headset mics can sound horrid and give you problems (dropping out, bursts of noise, interference). If your're going to get one invest in a good make of UHF mic. We got a Sennheiser EW100-G2 set and have not regretted it. Festival sound men love it.

Anahata

Subject: RE: Gear help: headset microphones
From: Mary Humphreys
Date: 05 Nov 06 - 01:07 PM

The Sennheiser EW100-G" is an amazing piece of gear and I love it to bits. I wouldn't consider using any other sort of mic now as it gives total freedom of movement to a singer who, like me, likes to dance around a bit when performing. It means that you can walk to the back of the stage to pick up and instrument standing there and talk to the audience at the same time, giving continuity of performance.
As Anahata says, soundmen think it is great as it is so easy for them to set up and use. And it is one less cable to trip over!
Mary

Subject: RE: Gear help: headset microphones
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 05 Nov 06 - 01:31 PM

I need to be puzzling out some of this myself, as a dance caller. My understanding is that there are two components to be thinking about -- the wireless transmitter/receiver system, and the microphone itself.

You do want the transmitter to be of the right sort not to pick up interference, etc., UHF is they key there. Often the transmitter will come with a lavalier (lapel clip-on) mic, but you need to purchase the headset mic separately.

Beyond that, I'm looking for guidance, too!

~ Becky in Tucson

Subject: RE: Gear help: headset microphones
From: treewind
Date: 05 Nov 06 - 01:55 PM

"Often the transmitter will come with a lavalier (lapel clip-on) mic, but you need to purchase the headset mic separately"

In most I've seen advertised, you choose which type of mic you want when you buy the system, so if you want a headset you choose that as part of the whole kit. But it's true that headsets and lavalier kits use the same belt pack transmitter: it's only the mic that's different.

A handheld mic is different. It doesn't use the beltpack: then the transmitter is built into the the mic.

Anahata

Subject: RE: Gear help: headset microphones
From: Bernard
Date: 05 Nov 06 - 02:05 PM

The Sennheisers are very good value, and perform well. Anyrthing cheaper isn't going to sound right - bearing in mind the SM58 has a fairly large diaphragm and can handle some serious sound pressure levels. A small electret capsule will tend to make some very odd noises if you speak directly into it, which is why the cheaper ones have a big foam windshield.

You'll need to experiment a little with the position of the microphone until you find what works best for you.

Don't be fobbed off with any VHF stuff - hardly anyone uses them now, because UHF is less troublesome.

However, a lot of people are surprised when they get a loud burst of interference when they switch off the transmitter, leaving the receiver open... it isn't a fault, that's why transmitters have a mic-mute switch!

As long as you are sensible about 'rotation' of re-chargeable batteries, you'll find that Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH, at least 2000MAh for AA type) will give you a good compromise between cost and battery life. NiCADs are not intended for such use, and will not perform well.

Subject: RE: Gear help: headset microphones
From: HiHo_Silver
Date: 05 Nov 06 - 03:31 PM

I used a Shure proffesional Head set mic for a number of years with very good results. Although at the time, they were all wired mics. the sound quality was very good. cable connects to XLR outlet on sound system. cable was a bit troublesom when moving around but as I used it for a One-Man-Band situation and was sitting down therefore the cable was not a problem. I installed a switch in the cable just at the belt clip to turn it off so as to avoid unwanted comments etc. going out unexpectedly. On the positive side you are always on the mic at a constant distance. Approximately 2 inches. Actually, I still have this set and could be persuaded to part with it at a very fair price.

Subject: RE: Gear help: headset microphones
From: GUEST,Texas Guest
Date: 05 Nov 06 - 04:54 PM

Thanks, folks, for all the fine input. HiHo Silver, I would shurely
be interested in talking to you about your mic. Please drop me an email at: [e-mail] or post your contact info and I'll reach out your way. Cheers,....TG

Subject: RE: Gear help: headset microphones
From: GUEST,DonMeixner
Date: 05 Nov 06 - 04:59 PM

I think you'll find that the great truism is evident. You get what you pay for. My friend Pat Kane uses a headset when he is calling and teaching dances and it is the only thing to use for that application.

Mary is quite right about the mobility aspect. It is fun to bop about when you can.

How are they with whistles and harmonicas?

Don

Subject: RE: Gear help: headset microphones
From: Mooh
Date: 05 Nov 06 - 08:55 PM

I'd really like a headset mic but not for the reason I usually hear. Things as close to my face as a mic are very difficult for me to see, and even with a windsock as cushion I hit my face on a regular mic, especially if I'm ducking back and forth to see my hands. It's a purchase I'll soon make.

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: Gear help: headset microphones
From: GUEST,Texas Guest
Date: 05 Nov 06 - 11:38 PM

Well, Mooh, I'm kinda in the same place, but I don't hit my head. As I wrote initally, I'm taking a whole new approach (for me) on guitar and it will necessitate my looking at the neck quite a bit - well, at least for a little while. It's not a good idea generally to do that,
but it's a compromise - I've got to expand my guitar skills and I think this may be the best way to do it and keep working at the same time. You might try turning your mic volume up and then pulling back from it a bit; that way, if you dip your head you might have enough clearance to miss it Just a thought,................TG

Subject: RE: Gear help: headset microphones
From: s&r
Date: 06 Nov 06 - 03:46 AM

Our caller uses a headset, and it works well. It took a long while to persuade her to not put it in front of her mouth ( the response is tailored with a treble lift to allow for the lack of directional treble when worn to the side)

UHF is good. Diversity receivers are IMO essential - if you move around signal cancellation and dropout can be a problem with non-diversity systems. Switched frequencies are good - twice we had to reset the frequency once to avoid broadcastin dance music to evensong in the church next door.

If you're used to using a hand/stand mic you'll miss the variation in tone and level that you can get by being closer to or further away from the mic.

Stu

Subject: RE: Gear help: headset microphones
From: Bernard
Date: 06 Nov 06 - 10:14 AM

An alternative, which was suggested above by HiHo Silver, is a wired headset mic. Most headset mics which can be used with a wireless system can also be used with a cable... though some sort of adaptor may be required (especially if your mixer doesn't have 'phantom power').

There are plenty of small mixers available these days (Behringer have quite an extensive range, though the models change each time the CEO changes his socks!). Such mixers can quite easily be mounted on a microphone stand or small table, and you could plug both your guitar and headset mic into that, sending the mix to a channel on your main mixer, or directly to a slave amp or self-powered speakers.

That will give you fairly easy control over the output - and will provide the 'phantom' for a cable headset.

This approach is cheaper than a good radio system, and also eliminates the need for batteries - it's also handy for home recording into a PC or MiniDisk recorder.

Subject: RE: Gear help: headset microphones
From: Mooh
Date: 06 Nov 06 - 10:36 AM

Thanks but sorry Texas Guest, been there, done that, doesn't work well enough. I can count the leaves on a tree a mile away but can't find things inside of a foot or so from my face, especially later in the day as my eyes tire.

Peace, Mooh.